Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Recipe of Me mini books

You might remember that I took a Debby Schuh class last August and we made the Recipe of Me mini book.  I really like her books because you don't have to paste or adhere paper onto chipboard, which can be messy at times.  It is just a different look.  At the class I bought an extra kit - well, because she had one and I liked the book.   My friend, Cindy, liked the book and purchased one on line, so now we both had the same kit to put together.  So Friday night, that is just what we did.  Here are my two books, with a few small differences:
 The one on the left is the new one - the one on the right is the one I made in class.
 Top is new - bottom is the one made in class
 I really do not like detail work, so in the second book I popped up stickers instead of placing the window down in the corner.
I tried to use the leftover products from my first class - use them up first before cracking open a brand new package of stickers, letters or embellishments.  These are the back covers.  I also changed the binding.  I pulled out my Cinch and used plastic spiral binding rather than two rings.  I am happy with how it turned out.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Monthly Card Exchange

We had the monthly card exchange yesterday, which is always held at Paper Vineyard in Chandler.  This month's theme was to make a "red or Valentine's Day card."  Here's mine...
 I am determined to use supplies that I already have on hand so I used scrap papers that I had left over from making Valentine's Day cards a couple of years ago.  The paper line is "Heart Attack" by We R Memory Keepers.  I did buy the epoxy hearts this year.  They just really added that special touch to the cards.
These are all of the cards made.  You can see that most went with the red card theme and there's definitely a lot of talent in this group.  
It is always nice to see these ladies and do a little catching up.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Button Crown

On some computers (like mine at work), you can't see my background photo.  It shows up on my laptop, but not at work.  I don't understand it.  It just is.  Anyway, it is a photo of a button crown and I think it is absolutely gorgeous and deserves an entire blog of its own.
Wouldn't a little girl just love to wear this crown on her special day?  I would.  Well, at least try wearing it.  I think it is beautiful.  Just sayin'.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Remember I said that I tried a couple of new recipes?

Well, at my office we did an old fashioned Minnesota pot luck featuring tater tot hot dishes.  Here's a picture that looks just like mine - yes, I totally forgot to take a picture before it was gone.
I actually made a double recipe in the crock pot and it turned out really good (if I do say so myself).  You have to be careful when you select a recipe for tater tot hot dish because they are not all equal... and they can look very, very different.  Regardless, we had a fun lunch and got a little better acquainted.
Have a happy day!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

I guess you could say I needed another break...

and I took one!  I have been busy doing so many things.
I went to a musical,
finished an altered book,
went to the movies (We saw "In Time" with Justin Timberlake - compelling but extremely and futuristically weird),
tonight I went to see the Marvelous Wonderettes - a very entertaining musical show.
I've slept a lot,
celebrated my daughter's birthday,
unpacked a few boxes,
went to my monthly book club,
tried a few new recipes...
and worked my full-time job!
I've probably done a few more things, but at the moment, can't remember it all.  I obviously needed a break.
Let's see what photos I can come up with.
I created this mini book for my friend, Josie.  Her family did a day trip to Slide Rock this last summer.



Looks like they had a lot of fun.
I know these 2 pictures aren't great, but we were celebrating Kate's 26th birthday at Liberty Market in Gilbert.  The lights were low.  Her friend, Whitney, made this frame for her.  It is a "B" for Ms. Bradsher and it is made out of crayons in a curio box.  So very cute!  Beautiful job, Whitney!
I don't believe I put this photo up yet.  I love the spoons and it looks like they simply covered them with paper.  I say "simply" but it may not be that easy to keep it all nice and smooth.  It would be great in just the right kitchen or dining area.
I just want to say Thanks! for coming back.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Map Art

As you know, I just LOVE pinterest!  It really is inspiring to me, but it also sucks my time.  I am always looking for new ideas and never sure if I will get around to them, but I can dream, right?  I have a place to go back to and just .... day dream....  I think this is very practical and wanted to share some of the photos I took off of pinterest and the internet...

 Checkbook cover
 Butterflies - to either frame or use in scrapbooking/cardmaking
 Simple hearts - perfect for this time of year when we are all thinking of Valentine's Day.
 Posies - I believe these have a finish on them and are definitely sewn, but still, something to consider.
 Envelope liners - and they could actually be used for making unique envelopes.
 Confetti.
 Gift wrapping.

 When I googled it, I found more sophisticated art...
Amazingly creative!

Friday, January 13, 2012

Coolest little table...

You've heard me talk about my good friend, Cindy.  I've included some of her paper crafts in my blog and we get together to do our crafting.  Well... anyway... her parents are snowbirds - and they are the sweetest couple.  Her dad does beautiful woodwork and we asked him to make me a side/chair table like Cindy's.  I just picked it up Saturday and I have used it...
while sitting here watching tv.  It held my dinner.  It holds my water bottle, the remote.  And it holds my laptop.
It is the most convenient table ever and I love it!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Altered Mini Book

I am behind in making and giving a few Christmas gifts.  Since I moved the week of Christmas, my focus was getting the house packed up, and trying to get somewhat moved in, and set up Christmas - it was crazy.  So the time I normally would have used to make gifts was used for those things.  I made the following book for my friend, Pat, who went back to Indiana.

There were a lot of photos that I was able to incorporate into this book.  I fashioned this book after a class that I took from Debby Schuh.  The paper line I used was by Authentique.  I am not a "yellow" person, but I just love the yellow and gray designs.  I had fun putting this book together for Pat.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Jack

I spent a lot of time in my craft room this last weekend working on a mini book for my friend.  I think Jack missed me...
He jumped up on my lap, stepped onto the table, and laid down... right in front of me.  I think he was "screaming" for attention.  Isn't he dapper in his little striped sweater?  Yeah, he's cute.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Sophie

Have you ever seen the YouTube video of pets who have been "dressed" in sweaters or costumes and they literally freeze?  I washed Sophie's sweater the other day and never put it back on her because it has been kind of warm.  With the temps dropping a little, my house is a little cold.  So I put the sweater back on.  When Sophie saw it in my hand, she took off the other way.  I caught up with her and put on her fleece sweater.  She froze.  Here are some photos...
I realize these are "still" photos, but she would NOT move.  I tried to coax her to come with me in the other room, but she would not budge.
She took a couple of steps...  stopped...
Headed toward the wall...
Then when I wasn't looking, she laid down in her Elmo bed.  She has been there all night.  She cracks me up.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy 2012!


Wish all of you a prosperous, healthy and HAPPY New Year!